Eli Lilly

Eli Lilly

PharmaSpain HQ: MadridGlobal HQ: Indianapolis, USA35000 employeesFounded 1876www.lilly.esMadridAlcobendas

Eli Lilly is a global pharmaceutical company headquartered in Indianapolis, USA, with a history spanning more than a century. It develops and markets medicines in areas such as oncology, diabetes, immunology, and neuroscience, and employs over 40,000 people worldwide. The company operates a strong Spain presence, with its Iberia hub in Madrid and a major manufacturing plant in Alcobendas, which is one of its key global production sites for active pharmaceutical ingredients.

For international professionals, Eli Lilly in Spain offers unique opportunities in pharmaceutical manufacturing, quality control, engineering, sales, and corporate roles. The company is known for its commitment to innovation and its inclusive work environment, and it actively supports professional development. Open roles in Spain range from entry-level technicians to senior legal and sales positions, making it a viable destination for both early-career and experienced professionals looking to build a career in the pharma sector while based in Spain.

Company History

Eli Lilly was founded in 1876 by Colonel Eli Lilly, a Civil War veteran and pharmacist, in Indianapolis, Indiana. The company quickly grew with the development of gelatin capsules and later the discovery of insulin. Over the decades, it expanded into a major multinational pharmaceutical corporation, with key drugs such as Prozac, Cialis, and more recently pipeline focus on chronic diseases and oncology. In Spain, it established its presence in the mid-20th century, though the official Lilly Alcobendas plant opened in the 1950s and continues to be a major European production hub.

For International Professionals

  • Eli Lilly offers substantial relocation and visa support for international hires, given its global scope and Spain's branching employment regulations.
  • The Madrid hub serves all Spanish operations, including legal and sales leadership for the Iberian region, offering exposure to multinational operations.
  • The Alcobendas manufacturing site is a top-tier production facility and often recruits international specialists for engineering, supply chain, and quality roles.
  • Spain is part of Eli Lilly's Europe and Canada cluster, and the company routinely implements global digital and procedural standards in its Spanish offices.
  • The current Spain job listings include both English and Spanish language requirements, underscoring an international workplace culture with a official language mix.

Open Positions (1)